New community art gallery

The new community art gallery at Queen Margaret Hospital, which has been funded by the Fife Health Charity, is located  on the ground floor corridor connecting Phase 1 and Phase 2 of the hospital. It features works by a variety of local photographers.

The project was developed in collaboration between Fife Health Charity, NHS Fife and the Fife Health and Social Care Partnership. The intention of the project is to enhance the physical environment within the hospital and create a better connection between the hospital and the wider community it serves.

Mark McGeachie, Director of Fife Health Charity, said: “Art can be hugely beneficial in healthcare, helping improve the physical environment in which patients are cared for, reducing stress and anxiety, and providing a source of inspiration in difficult times. Across healthcare sites in Fife, art plays a significant role in enhancing the environments in which patients are cared for and NHS Fife has an extensive collection of works which has been gifted over many years.”

“With the development of this new gallery, we wanted to do something a bit different. We really want to positively influence visitors to Queen Margaret Hospital and showcase the inspiring scenery around us here in Fife, which has been so beautifully captured by the artists whose pieces are on display.

“We also really hope the development of the gallery also helps enhance the connection between Queen Margaret Hospital and the people and communities the hospital serves.”

Fife Health Charity is working with local art groups who will be able to display their work within the gallery for up to six months, helping to create a vibrant and stimulating environment for patients, staff and visitors to Queen Margaret Hospital.

The first such exhibition will feature works by the Dunfermline Photographic Association, who have worked incredibly hard with their members to provide an inspiring selection of images from across Fife.

Opening the new gallery, Nicky Connor, Director of Fife Health and Social Care Partnership, said: “The new community art gallery is such a welcome addition to at Queen Margaret Hospital and helps improve the environment for patients, visitors and staff alike. By offering up this space, we wanted to create a connection between our hospital and community through local art groups. This gallery is an example of how we can use our buildings and spaces to help us connect with the people and communities we serve.  

“The feedback we have received about the new gallery, and indeed the first exhibition, has been really positive so far and I’d like to thank the incredibly talented members of Dunfermline Photographic Association, who have provided such a range of incredible photos to exhibit."

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Notes to Editors

• Fife Health Charity

Fife Health Charity aims to improve the physical and mental health of the people of Fife through funding and grants that support projects and initiatives that are not normally funded by the NHS. The charity gratefully manages all donations received to NHS Fife wards and services and provides grants to benefit patients and staff across NHS Fife. In 2022/23, the charity provided almost £1m in grants.

As well as managing the donations received for the benefit of NHS Fife patients and staff, the charity is also responsible for managing the NHS Fife’s extensive Art Collection.

• Dunfermline Photographic Association

Dunfermline Photographic Association (DPA) caters for photographers from novice to international competitor.  DPA has beginners and professional photographers engaged in a range of activities. The club is affiliated to the Scottish Photographic Federation which provides access to a number of international competitions.

The club has evolved from its beginnings in film and slide in 1926 to  the digital media of today. To keep up with change the club has introduced a mentoring scheme where members can get support in private.  The annual season runs from September through to April, and involves photo shoots and tutoring with summer activities encouraged and organised.

DPA Club meetings are held on Tuesday evenings at the Dell Farquharson Institute (DFI),  Netherton Broad Street, and include competitions and photography talks, and some specific  skills training.